Balance your bite!
Bite misalignment & tmj
A confident smile is just one of the many reasons why maintaining good dental health is so important. When teeth are not aligned properly, however, things can become painful or teeth can be damaged. It can even cause issues with your airway, leading to sleep apnea or other difficult symptoms.
Our office is an airway-aware office that seeks to alleviate your pain and airway symptoms. We have solutions at our office, and work with trusted providers to get you the right diagnosis and solution. If you are struggling with jaw pain, reach out to our office today.
What is TMD?
TMJ is short for Temporomandibular Joint, the jaw joint right before your ear. TMJ also often refers to a disorder or dysfunction of that joint, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. This is alternately sometimes referred to as TMD.
TMD can be a difficult condition to diagnose and treat. When your bite does not fit together properly, and there is dysfunction in the joint, this can result in pain and even cracking sounds in that jaw joint. Correcting a misaligned bite can sometimes resolve or greatly relieve TMD issues.
Bite Misalignment Symptoms
Bite misalignment, or an incorrect seating of how your teeth fit together when you bite down, can occur in different ways and with different symptoms. Some bite misalignment problems can cause quite a bit of discomfort or pain. You may not even realize that the pain you are experiencing has anything to do with your teeth or bite misalignment.
- Headaches
- Pain in the jaw area or your ear
- Sometimes, sinus pain
- Teeth clenching or grinding at night
- Sensitivity to cold
- Damage to your teeth due to chipping, cracking, or wearing down of teeth
- Worn off enamel from the top of your teeth, exposed darker colored surface
Causes of Bite Misalignment
Sometimes bite misalignments, especially if you have an overbite or underbite, are genetic issues that need orthodontic work. Even if you had braces as a teenager, your poorly-positioned jaw may not have been resolved.
Even a slight elevation of a new filling or crown can disrupt the alignment of your bite. We take these issues seriously upon the placement of your cosmetic restorations, but we can also fix it if it becomes an issue later on.
A bite misalignment may also indicate an airway dysfunction or a tongue tie. Improper airway function, leading to mouth breathing, can contribute to misalignment in the bite and jaw structures.
Your Airway Health and Your Bite Alignment
Your airway health and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) function are closely linked. When your airway is restricted due to issues like mouth breathing, nasal blockages, or tongue positioning it can contribute to improper bite alignment. Over time, this misalignment puts stress on the TMJ, leading to symptoms such as jaw pain, headaches, and even sleep apnea.
At Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, we understand how airway dysfunction can impact your dental health and overall comfort. We’re committed to providing solutions that address both bite misalignment and airway concerns, helping you achieve a healthier, more functional smile.
Is There a Connection Between Sleep Apnea and TMJ?
Sleep apnea and TMJ dysfunction (TMD) often go hand in hand, sharing underlying issues that affect your bite and breathing. When your airway is obstructed during sleep, the body’s natural response is to thrust the lower jaw forward to open the airway. This constant jaw movement can put strain on the TMJ, leading to pain, inflammation, and dysfunction. Similarly, if you already have TMJ problems, they can worsen airway restriction, contributing to fragmented sleep and sleep apnea symptoms.
We work with specialists to improve your health and bite.
Get Your Bite Checked
Come to our dental clinic for an examination, and we can determine if you have any bite problems and assess the degree of malocclusion. Damage to the front teeth can be particularly concerning. If you observe wear on your lower front teeth, it’s crucial to have your bite evaluated promptly. We will discuss all options with you to correct the problem.
Get Started Today!
Our dentists are trained to ensure we offer quality services. When you visit Dougherty Cosmetic Dentistry, expect nothing but the best. Ready to book an appointment? Please dial (210) 880-4120 to schedule an appointment with our friendly team.